Foundation created to support Augusta area children's charities

Thursday

Dr. Mac Bowman believes in giving back to the community, and this year, he’s taking it to another level. He’s created the Horizon Foundation, which will support children’s charities in the area.

“Each and everyone of us can do it right here in Augusta and in Georgia. We can impact the lives of others who God brings to us,” said Bowman, who is partnering with Mercedes-Benz of Augusta to raffle a 2019 Mercedes GLA250 to raise money for the foundation. The Rotary Club of Augusta is also a partner.

This is the third year Bowman has joined with Mercedes on a raffle. In previous years, the cardiologist has worked to raise money for heart health issues, but he said he believes God has put him in a place that he can help people in other ways.

There are three specific charities that will benefit from the current raffle.

One is a program called A Place to Dream, which provides beds for children in the Augusta area. According to Danny McConnell, president and chief professional officer of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta, who facilitates the program, there are many local children who sleep on the floor at night or have inadequate sleeping spaces.

Since November 2017, the program has provided beds plus pillows, comforters, a Bible and a teddy bear to 612 children. There’s no age restriction. Some cribs have been donated as well as beds for 18-year-olds, he said.

“It runs the gamut,” he said.

A Place to Dream has partnered with Badcock Furniture and Merritt Flooring. Also, area churches as well as service members from Fort Gordon have provided teams of volunteers to deliver and set up the beds usually on the last Saturday of the month.

Another organization that will benefit from the Horizon Foundation is Child Enrichment Inc., which provides services for abused and neglected children in the area.

According to Kari Viola-Brooke, the organization’s executive director, more than 1,000 children received services last year. In December 2017, the organization opened an office in Thomson to better serve the community there.

The third organization is the Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta.

Tickets for the raffle are $100 and are available at the Mercedes-Benz of Augusta dealership. The winner will be announced Feb. 14.

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